FAQ

Jospa's Frequently Asked Questions

December 10, 2020

Are any breakthroughs required to make it work

We believe not. Jospa has some novel items to incorporate, not yet disclosed, that will improve the JOSPA TUG

December 10, 2020

How will it deal with storms, debris at sea, or fish

This Tug’s survivability will be surpassed only by that of a submerged submarine as it operates largely submerged

December 10, 2020

What are the pros and cons of the JOSPA TUG?

Pros – minimal running expenses - no fuel costs, a small staff can remotely control many tugs - zero emissions, high bollard pull (towing power), very survivable, expected to be very competitive to build.

December 10, 2020

What is the IP situation on the Jospa Tug? Is there more IP to come?

The original concept is patented. Development has suggested improvements and further patent application have been made.

December 10, 2020

Will there be different versions of the JOSPA TUG

Very likely YES – its length will vary according to the intended location (types of seas) and application

December 10, 2020

What is the roadmap to commercial deployment?

To date. Jospa has tested the first model Mk I at 15m long in the LIR tanks at the National Ocean Testing Facility Centre in Cork, Ireland.

December 10, 2020

What is the function of the ‘pilot tug’ in front of the JOSPA TUG

The function of the pilot is to apply a minimum pull to the Tug to straighten out its spine and align the fins

December 10, 2020

What are its pros/cons compared to other renewable energies, is it as limited in scope as sailing vessels?

Compared with e.g., sailing its advantages are its full 2-way directional ability and its massive pulling power.

December 10, 2020

How will it deal with storms, debris at sea, or fish

This has been partly answered in the previous question. This Tug’s survivability will be surpassed only by that of a submerged submarine as it operates largely submerged

December 10, 2020

What is Jospa’ s Mission Statement

VISION (To) Sustainably serve people and planet by using our technology to harness ocean waves MISSION (To) optimise the core technology

December 10, 2020

What stage of readiness is the JOSPA TUG at?

The JOSPA TUG is at ‘the end of the beginning’, where the tug action has been observed, the theory has been investigated through modelling simulations to validate it, and proof-of-concept tests were highly successful

December 10, 2020

Are these very limited applications, so it will be difficult for the JOSPA TUG to be commercial?

No. The shipping market is vast....

December 10, 2020

Would ocean currents not overcome the speed of the JT?

Ocean currents are specific and well known and not as strong as coastal currents - the Jospa Tug is purposed for ocean use.

December 10, 2020

Presumably it can only go one direction, can it change course?

NO, THAT’S THE BEAUTY OF IT. Unlike wind-powered vessels it can go forwards with the waves BUT it also travels INTO the waves, i.e.in the reverse direction

December 10, 2020

If the pilot stops for any reason will the JOSPA TUG ram it?

The speeds are low and as answered in 6 above the JOSPA TUG will ‘shut down’ i.e., ‘lose way

December 10, 2020

Where do you expect the JOSPA TUG to be used first?

Our main expectation is in the four applications already described. Up to now Plastics Harvesting seems to be an appropriate first solution – but that may change.

December 10, 2020

Describe the Pilot Tug its advantages and disadvantages

The Pilot is essential for control. At the outset, the pilot used may be a type of diesel tug – however there is such progress being made in autonomous (remote-controlled) and as we are now working with Fugro that we may well be able to go straight to the new technology – certainly, a year or two will see us with an all-electric pilot tug

December 10, 2020

How about loss of a tow line

The loss of a tow line is no different than it would be for any vessel, but the Tug may lend itself better to carry a redundant spare tow line or a safety rope as per land vehicles that tow trailers.

December 10, 2020

What is an autonomous operation?

We have all heard of ’driverless cars’. For vessels, the term ‘Autonomous Operation’ is used. Modern technology – GPS for accurate position, the Internet via satellites for two-way communication, radar, visible spectrum and infrared cameras, intelligent sensors – enable autonomous operation.

December 10, 2020

How much will it cost to build?

The spine(s), which are the structures that carry the fins, will be like a special hose made of (recyclable) thermoplastic elastomer, steel or otherwise reinforced